The first time you use the VPN feature included in the Bitdefender app on macOS, your Mac will ask you to allow the VPN service and grant the required network permissions. Follow the instructions below for your version of macOS to ensure the VPN feature works correctly.
- Before you begin, check which version of macOS your Mac is running.
macOS 26 (Tahoe) or 15 (Sequoia)
When you connect to VPN for the first time on macOS Tahoe (26) or Sequoia (15), you must enable the Bitdefender VPN network extension.
1. First, click the VPN connection button using any of these methods: How to Connect to VPN in Bitdefender App for macOS.
2. In the system pop-up or Bitdefender window, click Open System Settings.
ⓘ If the pop-up above doesn’t appear, open System Settings
from your Dock → General → Login Items & Extensions → scroll down to the Extensions section. Then:
- On macOS Tahoe: Select By Category, then click the information icon ⓘ next to Network Extensions.
- On macOS Sequoia: Click the information icon ⓘ next to Network Extensions.
3. In the new window, turn on the VPN Service switch so it becomes blue.
4. Enter your Mac administrator name and password when prompted, then click OK.
5. Click Allow to add VPN configurations, then click Continue in the Bitdefender window.
You can now use the VPN service in the Bitdefender app.
macOS 14 (Sonoma) or macOS 13 (Ventura)
When you connect to the VPN feature for the first time on macOS Sonoma (14) or Ventura (13), you must allow the Bitdefender app extension.
1. First, click the VPN connection button using any of these methods: How to Connect to VPN in Bitdefender App for macOS.
2. Next, click Open System Settings in the system pop-up or Bitdefender window.
ⓘ If the pop-up above doesn’t appear when connecting to VPN the first time on macOS Sonoma/Ventura, open System Settings
from your Dock → Privacy & Security.
3. Click the Allow button in the Privacy & Security window that appears.
4. Enter your Mac administrator name and password when prompted, then click Modify Settings.
5. Click Allow to add VPN configurations, then click Continue in the Bitdefender window.
You can now use the VPN service in the Bitdefender app.
macOS 12 (Monterey)
When you connect to the VPN service for the first time on macOS Monterey (12), you must allow the Bitdefender app extension.
1. First, click the VPN connection button using any of these methods: How to Connect to VPN in Bitdefender App for macOS.
2. Next, click Open System Preferences in the Bitdefender window or click Open Security Preferences in the system pop-up.
ⓘ If the pop-up above doesn’t appear when connecting to VPN the first time on macOS Monterey, open System Preferences
3. Click the lock icon in the bottom left corner of the Security & Privacy window that appears.
4. Enter your Mac administrator name and password when prompted, then click Unlock.
5. Next, click the Allow button in the bottom right corner of the Security & Privacy window.
6. Click Allow to add VPN configurations, then click Continue in the Bitdefender window.
You can now use the VPN service in the Bitdefender app.